 This
early view of West Point From Above Washington Valley was the work
of William James Bennett, who immigrated to the United
States in 1826 and embarked on a trip throughout the
Hudson Valley where he captured famous images of the
destinations along the way. In 1834, large folio
aquatint prints of Bennett's scenes were printed by
Parker & Clover in New York City. The impressive
images were an instant success, capturing the grandeur
of an early America in vivid color. While all of
the scenes are masterfully executed, the prints related
to New York City and those related to West Point are
among the most sought after, since these places have
played such an important role in American history.
This view, looking
southeast from Washington Valley across
the plain at West Point, shows the southward curve of
the river, the heavy traffic of majestic sailing ships
and steam ships navigating the Hudson, and several
buildings on the grounds of West Point. |
